If stringing tennis rackets was an exact science, choosing the right string tension would be easy. Key factors -- arm injuries, skill level and style of play -- must be taken into consideration before deciding whether tight or loose tension is best for you. Manufacturers make rackets with a recommended string tension range, and before locking into the high or low end of the range, it helps to know how the difference in tension can affect you and your game.

Loose for Power

In general, rackets strung on the lower end of the tension range provide more power than tightly strung rackets. When you hit a tennis ball, the impact causes the strings to deform or stretch, energy is stored in the strings and is then returned to the ball as it rebounds off your racket. Loose strings stretch more than tight strings and, therefore, store more energy. When this energy is returned to the ball, you have a powerful shot. If you lack power, lower the tension of your strings.

Tight for Control

Hitting a tennis ball causes the strings of your racket to move. How much they move is based in part on the tension of the strings. The strings of a loosely strung racket move more than the strings of a tightly strung racket. This influences the speed and angle at which the ball leaves your racket, which can make your shots inconsistent. With tighter strings, there is less string movement, and you have a better chance of controlling the direction and speed of the ball. Loose strings create a trampoline effect -- the strings act like a slingshot, and the ball rebounds like an uncontrollable rocket. For more control, string your racket on the higher end of the tension range.

Arm-Friendly Tension

When you make contact with a tennis ball, shock and vibration are generated, which travel from the strings to the frame and eventually your arm. The amount of dwell time -- the time the ball stays in contact with the strings -- varies slightly between a loosely strung racket and a tightly strung racket. Lower string tensions increase the amount of time the ball stays on the strings, which results in more shock being spread out over a longer period of time. When this happens, the strings absorb more of the shock, which helps reduce the initial shock to your arm. With tightly strung rackets, the ball doesn't stay on the strings as long and more shock travels to your arm. If you are susceptible to tennis elbow, a lower tension will help.

Level and Style of Play

You might think that beginner players would benefit from a tightly strung racket because they need more control. While needing more control may be true, beginners would benefit more from a loosely strung racket with a soft and forgiving string bed. The reasoning is that beginners tend to hit the ball off-center and with a looser strung bed, beginners can still have a reasonably good shot with some power without swinging hard. More advanced players who have grooved strokes, swing fast, hit hard, play with a lot of spin and have an aggressive style of play need to control the ball and benefit more from tighter tensions. Advanced players are also able to generate their own power and don't need the power provided from loose strings. Lower tensions are better for players who have a slow, compact swing, while players with fast, "whippy" strokes benefit more from tighter tensions.

About the Author

Michele M. Howard began writing professionally in 2009, producing sports, fitness, home improvement and gardening articles for various websites. In addition to writing, Howard is a United States Professional Tennis Association tennis instructor and a professional racket stringer. Howard holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Southern Connecticut State University.

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